Memories Jibacoa

The food was better than we had feared (but they routinely overcook seafood, so stick with chicken) and there was more English spoken than we had expected. Weather was great. The state of the buildings generally was better than we had been led to expect - although there is a lot of work outstanding in the southern parts of the Old Town in Havana. People are helpful. The country is clearly at an interesting stage of its development - which is why we wanted to go - and might go in many directions from here; not all of them favourable. Roads, particularly outside towns, were empty.

PR, Edinburgh

Highlights: “We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Havana, and also the road trips which allowed us some glimpses of rural life.” 

ER

Food is, of course, difficult in Cuba and we had low expectations.

JG, Isle of Colonsay

Most Memorable Moment?: Hard to say - I love driving in Cuba - and Havana is a great city.

AH, London

Cuba is a very diverse country and fulfilled our expectations.  Parakeet is an adventure rather than a holiday so go with an open mind and immerse your self in the Cuban way. Colour, music and smiles more than make up for what some people may find frustrating if comparing Cuba to life in the UK. 

GW, Birmingham

Highlights? Everything! The casas for showing us how Cubans live, the guides and their information, the sunset from the Palacio at Punta Gorda (Cienfuegos), the casa at Punta Gorda, the music everywhere, the food, the cocktails, the nice and hospitable people.

EV, Enfield

Loved it!

We really liked Cuba overall. There is not just one thing but the best included: Private tour in Havana was excellent as the guide was first rate. The town of Trinidad which we just loved. We thought it was really good to stay at a Casa and would recommend that experience for at least one section of a holiday.

PD, Dublin

Driving was fascinating & not too stressful due to lack of traffic . We felt we saw bits of CUBA not seen by many tourists.

DM, Falmouth

Most memorable experiences: "The self drive itinerary and experience gave us a window into the real Cuba, off the beaten track but never too scary. We were sad to hand the car over in Santiago! We had an amazing trip to Cuba; a lifetime experience. thank you all for making it happen."

NC, Reading

Most Memorable Aspect: "our visit in Havana, our visit to Playa Giron, to Trinidad and finally at the Royalton resort. We enjoyed a mixture of luxury, culture, history and natural beauty."

MH

Highlight?: The walk through the 3 valleys in Vinales.

MK, Brentford

Loads of music. Watching sax player at sunset, Hotel Melia Buenavista, Cayo Santa Maria Buenavista, Cafe Taberna, Christmas Day.

JP, Bedford

Highlights? The wonderful beautiful Cuban people. The stunning landscape the memorable architecture. The wild weather. Just the sense of being propelled back in time but also to a possible future of less empty consumerism, less intensive agriculture, mores social connection and less social media allowing for more actual sociality

DM, Brighton

Most Memorable Moment: Seeing so much of Havana and the amazing countryside around Vinales.

GF, London

Most memorable experience: "Witnessing the culture of Cuba. Seeing the state of buildings, the 50s cars and there really is great music in every bar!"

HC, Cheltenham

Many happy memories but loved the guided tour of Havana in the vintage car (huge 1953 Ford pink and cream convertible) Also enjoyed walking in the beautiful Vinales valley, it was like travelling back in the past with oxen ploughing and tobacco drying in huge thatched barns. It exceeded my expectations. Great organisation, informative guides, careful and punctual drivers and accommodation in convenient yet quiet locations, near to tourist attractions and restaurants.

JR, Cambridge

Highlights: The music/case da la culturas. driving and getting off the beaten track.

RGJ, London

Most memorable aspect: “The ballet; the coast; bird watching at Las Terrazas and Zapata, La Moka; our stay in a Casa Particular in Trinidad. The whole holiday was very good. Driving in Cuba and life on the roads!!” 

JA, Street

Las Terrazas - the hotel, zipwire and natural pools. Also meeting locals during the trip, including picking up hitchhikers. The caribbean sea and beach at Playa Ancon were wonderful.

PR, Brentwood

Most memorable experience: "It had to be La Guarida paladar in Havana, travelling in the vintage cars and also the Casa de la Musica in Trinidad, just sitting outside in the evening."

ZEW, London

Amazing

The fact that Cuba is so far removed from 21st century life - Cubans seem to have an indestructible soul! Music is their Prozac.

Ck, London

The only additional info might have been that travellers should take a box of tissues - although we always do anyway to wherever. Cuba doesn't do tissues.......

PR, Edinburgh

Most memorable experiences: Trinidad, the town and evenings full of local music were fantastic

SS, Newcastle upon tyne

Highlights “We really liked Cuba overall. There is not just one thing but the best were 1.The private tour in Havana was excellent as the guide was first rate. The town of Trinidad which we just loved. We thought it was really good to stay at a Casa and would recommend that experience for at least one section of a holiday” 

PD, Dublin

Baracoa was very special.

CA, Newark

Most memorable experience: "Sunday morning Masses in Cathedral in Havana and Iglesia Parroquial in Trinidad. Going on the ferry from Havana to Casablanca and walking round the area of the Cabana fort."

PC, Wallington

The visit to Vinales - we loved the scenery and the remoteness - and the Escambray mountains.

LJ, Wokingham

Best Bit?: Just the huge contrasts in the country.

LW

There is no one experience that I would single out. What was memorable were the people, their friendliness and helpfulness, and the real feeling of safety everywhere we went - even when the street lighting suddenly failed in the back streets of Trinidad.

DM, Nottingham

Highlights? The ride in the Vintage American car in Havana, The walking tour with Louis in Havana, Spending time chatting with Sofia on her deck in rocking chairs in Vinales, Drinking Mojito's in the sun. Snorkelling in the sea at Jibacoa.

TW, Glasgow